Andrew Edward McKeever
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| Andrew Edward McKeever | |
|---|---|
| 21 August 1894 – 25 December 1919 | |
| Nickname | Hawkeye |
| Place of birth | Listowel, Ontario |
| Place of death | Toronto, Ontario |
| Allegiance | George V |
| Service/branch | Royal Flying Corps, Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1914-1919 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Unit | 31 |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), Military Cross (MC), Distinguished Service Order (DSO), Croix de Guerre |
Andrew Edward McKeever (21 August 1894 - 25 December 1919) was a Canadian World War I flying ace credited with 31 victories.[1]
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[edit] Early life
McKeever was born in Listowel to Bella Henderson and William McKeever, a grocer and butcher. After attending Toronto’s Central Technical School, McKeever worked as a teller until 1916.[2]
[edit] Military service
[edit] Text of citations
[edit] Military Cross
"2nd Lt Andrew Edward McKeever, R.F.C., Spec. Res. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, particularly when on offensive patrol. He attacked eight enemy aircraft single-handed at close range, and by his splendid dash and determination destroyed one and drove five down completely out of control. He had previously shown exceptional fearlessness in attacking the enemy when in superior numbers, and in the space of three weeks he destroyed eight hostile machines, setting a very fine example to his squadron."
[edit] Military Cross and Bar
"Lt. Andrew Edward McKeever, M.C., R.F.C., Spec. Res. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in aerial combats. He has recently destroyed five enemy aeroplanes and driven down six out of control. On one occasion he encountered five enemy scouts, and drove down two out of control. Later, while leading a patrol, he engaged nine enemy scouts. He destroyed two, drove down one out of control, and dispersed the remainder. His dash and determination have been a fine example to his squadron."
[edit] Distinguished Service Order
"2nd Lt. (T./Capt.) Andrew Edward McKeever, M.C., R.F.C., Spec. Res. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While on patrol by himself over the enemy's lines in very bad weather he encountered two enemy two-seater machines and seven scouts. By skilful maneuvering he engaged one and destroyed it. As he turned to get back to the lines five of the enemy dived on his tail and his observer engaged and destroyed two of them. After an indecisive combat with two others he attacked and destroyed one of the enemy which had overshot him. He continued the fight with the remainder until he was within twenty feet of the ground, when the enemy machines climbed and left him. He has recently destroyed ten enemy machines and has shown great courage and initiative."
[edit] Reference
- ^ www.theaerodrome.com. Accessed 11 June 2008.
- ^ www.biographi.ca. Accessed 11 June 2008.
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